Hi all,

I've caught the bug for the old 80's diesel's. Had a w116 and now have a couple of w126's. I have done some things, but need some assistance with diagnosing heating/cooling and front end suspension.

I have access to a shop with a lift... happy to share that access if that's helpful.

Thanks!

Good evening and thanks for the information. I live in the VCU area in Carver. I have three of these cars myself.

What type of work do you need to do?

Ron

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What do you mean "old diesels;" they are just getting broken in.

Well, the AC and heat don't seem to work. I've got all of the receipts since 1998 from the previous owner, who took good care of the car, and I'm about to go through and put the work into a spreadsheet. The AC has been charged multiple times in the last 5 years, and I think he came to the conclusion there was a leak. I've replaced an O ring on the condensor that appeared to be a slightly wet area. Other than that we don't see a leak when it's hooked up to the machine at the shop. I've had heat coming out of the top defrost last week, but now can't get any heat either.

On the suspension, I am pretty sure I need new lower ball joints. He put in a few new parts (which I'll check) but thinking I may just replace most of it. Motor mounts are 10 years old, but look pretty good. Front tires are wearing on the outside, and there's a shake when the car hits rough terrain at highway speeds... more like a slight steering wheel wobble at some slow speeds. Figure may need a steering damper (think that's the horizontal shock absorber thingy) too. Going to get it up in the air tomorrow to look around some more.

I'm in Midlothian and my good buddy owns a repair shop. Try not to use his guys, but if they're not busy tomorrow (this rain can end anytime) I may see if we can figure a few things out.

Also have one door panel off and just need to get that little doohickey thing installed so that the window will work again. Need to drill out the old and then bash the new thing in there is what I understand.

Got some better seat leathers from another car to install too.

Other than that, she's a beauty. :-)

So sorry, I stand corrected.

The brown 300SD needs to get sold, but the blue SDL I'd like to keep and fix up. The SD needs a few suspension parts too, otherwise it's pretty sweet. I just like the bigger ones now that I've driven one, and my idiot son isn't getting such a nice car now that he's lost his job. I need to find him an old pickup or something.

I live in Bon Air and didn't know there were other Richmonders on the site.
I have used Westover Mercedes Service, but I believe they closed recently.
Bonner & Son in Midlothian and World Foreign Car Services on Three Chopt have good reputations to get stuff fixed right.

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Greg Schwall

1983 300SD - 465,000 miles

Thanks Greg. I'll try them. If you ever need to get your SD up in the air, let me know. My buddy will let me use his shop on Sunday's.

Thanks. I might take you up on that offer someday.

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Greg Schwall

1983 300SD - 465,000 miles

I'm in Hopewell, let me know if I can help.

I've heard good things about the place on Three Chopt as well.

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83 SD

84 CD